Must-see for 2024 Gold Mining Investment: Why Are These 6 ETF Gold Eggs Worth Watching?

Recently, gold prices have been soaring all the way up, and many investors are asking the same question—Is it still too late to get into ETF gold now? Honestly, the macro environment in 2024 has indeed given the precious metals market a “takeoff” reason.

Why has 2024 become the year of explosive growth for ETF gold?

Escalating geopolitical tensions, emerging risks in the U.S. debt crisis, and rising expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts… These factors stack up, making gold, the “king of safe havens,” once again a favorite among investors.

More importantly, global central banks are frantically accumulating gold. According to the World Gold Council, in 2023, 71% of the 57 central banks worldwide indicated they would increase their gold reserves in the next 12 months—up from 61% in 2022. Major countries like the US, Germany, Italy, France, and China are all strengthening their reserves with real gold, which itself is a strong market signal.

Looking at the global debt situation, the US public debt to GDP ratio has soared to 129%, and Japan’s is an astonishing 263.9%. Federal Reserve Chair Powell has admitted that “the US is on an unsustainable fiscal path.” Against this backdrop, gold is not just an investment asset but also a form of “insurance.”

Why is gold demand so stable?

This is a hidden advantage of choosing ETF gold—the demand sources for gold are extremely diverse. In Q4 2023, global gold demand reached 1,149.8 tons, coming from:

• Jewelry industry (581.5 tons)
• Investment channels (258.3 tons, with ETF trading playing a significant role)
• Central bank reserves (229.4 tons)
• Industrial use (80.6 tons)

Because demand sources are dispersed, the stability of gold prices is relatively strong. Regardless of economic cycles, this market always finds support. Over the past 14 years, global gold demand has rarely fallen below 1,000 tons.

Why should small and medium investors be optimistic about these 6 gold ETFs?

Compared to the hassle of buying gold bars directly, the advantages of ETF gold are obvious: no worries about storage security, high liquidity, low commissions, and low minimum investment thresholds. The key is—these ETFs are backed by clear physical gold reserves stored in secure vaults in London, Zurich, and other locations.

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares ETF)

This is the absolute leader in the market. Managing assets of $56 billion, with an average daily trading volume of 8 million shares, it boasts unbeatable liquidity. Gold is stored by HSBC in London, with an annual management fee of just 40 basis points (0.40%). The current share price is $202.11, up 6.0% this year.

IAU (iShares Gold Trust ETF)

The second-largest player, also a heavyweight. Managing $25.4 billion, with a lower fee rate of 25 basis points (0.25%), and an average daily trading volume of about 6 million shares. Assets are stored by J.P. Morgan in London. Each share is priced at $41.27, also up 6.0% this year. Its historical performance is impressive—since 2009, it has gained 151.19%.

SGOL (Aberdeen Physical Gold Shares ETF)

This UK-based ETF has $2.7 billion in assets. Gold is stored in secure vaults in Switzerland and the UK, with an annual fee as low as 17 basis points (0.17%). Its biggest selling point is affordability—each share costs only $20.86, making it the most accessible option on this list. It has also gained 6.0% this year.

AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF)

Backed by Goldman Sachs, this brand carries a trust factor. Assets total $614 million, with gold stored by J.P. Morgan in the UK. The annual fee is 18 basis points (0.18%), far below the industry average of 63 basis points for commodity ETFs. Each share is priced at $21.60, offering good value, and has also increased by 6.0%.

GLDM (SPDR Gold MiniShares ETF)

This is the “small version” of GLD, designed for investors who want to follow big funds but with lower costs. The lowest fee tier—just 10 basis points (0.10%), with assets managed at $6.1 billion. Each share costs $43.28, with a 6.1% increase this year.

IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro ETF)

The lowest fee gold ETF in the entire market—only 9 basis points (0.09%). Managing assets of $1.2 billion, each share is priced at $21.73, making it the easiest for retail investors to get started. Note that this product was launched in 2021, so its historical performance data is relatively short—up 22.82%.

Long-term performance comparison of the 6 major gold ETFs

From 2009 to 2024, historical data shows:

Spot gold cumulative increase: 162.31%

ETF rankings:

1. IAU: 151.19%
2. GLD: 146.76%
3. SGOL: 106.61%
4. AAAU: 79.67%
5. GLDM: 72.38%
6. IAUM: 22.82% (due to later上市)

Is investing in gold ETFs in 2024 really worthwhile?

It depends on your specific situation. If you are a conservative investor, gold ETFs can add a “protective moat” to your portfolio. The US debt crisis, global central bank gold accumulation, geopolitical risks… all point to a consensus—gold’s role as a safe haven will only strengthen in the future.

But if you are an aggressive investor seeking maximum returns, gold’s yield might not meet your expectations. Gold itself does not generate cash flow, and its short-term price volatility can be intense.

Several questions you must consider before entering

Clarify your investment goals. The most powerful function of gold ETFs is not rapid profit but protection. Does your portfolio need protection? How much allocation is appropriate? Think about this before entering.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Although gold is stable, it is only part of a diversified portfolio. Combining it with stocks, bonds, and other assets creates a balanced investment.

Set a time horizon of 3 years or more. Gold may be volatile in the short term, but over longer periods, its safe-haven properties will be fully realized.

Do your homework before choosing. Fees, liquidity, reserve methods (physical vs. synthetic)—these details will impact your final returns.

Final advice

For small and medium investors, the biggest appeal of gold ETFs is the ability to “play big with small capital”—participating in the world’s most stable safe-haven assets with limited funds. Whether you want to add “insurance” to your portfolio or prepare for rising global debt risks, these 6 stable-performing gold ETFs are excellent entry points.

The key is to choose based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Remember: the best investment decision is always based on clear self-awareness.